American Bashing!

The US is always telling us it is the greatest. We are just mentioning the snot.

Sorry I just laughed at this. Very true but it was so damned funny.:D

Also you try and take just a little too much credit for ww2, according to saving privat ryan, there weren’t any Brits in Omaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry mate but there wern’t any Brits on Omaha beach. There were however Brits and Canadians (mostly) on Gold, Juno and Sword beaches. According to Saving Private Ryan, the Brits were there on or at least close to D-Day, apparently though, according to Ted Danson, they were’nt a very imoprtant part of the whole operation and were largley ineffectual. But I know what you mean.

Also you try and take just a little too much credit for ww2, according to saving privat ryan, there weren’t any Brits in Omaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lets get back to the original question in the thread please !!!!

We may be American bashers over here in GREAT BRITAIN but really it could be argued that we are bashing ourselve because Scooter, nearly a third of all Americans have their origins in the British isles.

Just out of interest have you ever considered tracing back you european/ african roots?

Another reason why we are a bit bitter is because you were once one of our colonies in the days of the empire, when Britain was the most powerful country in the world:)

Don’t take offence, I’m just alittle too patriotic!:rolleyes:

Originally posted by F-18 Hamburger
are you saying you can’t look at these people straight in the eyes?

Sure I can. Well actually down the sight of a 12 gauge with number 4 buckshot.

Question for the day:

“How do you stop a clown from laughing?”

Hit them in the head with an axe.

Czechoslovakia only got nicer when Maddie left…

Originally posted by Vortex
oh no ….that’s mimi..:D

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀

Maybe we can get her to make another “Special Delivery” to the Great Wall? 😀

oh no ….that’s mimi..:D

Originally posted by ELP
You don’t know that.

The only thing we say behind your back is: “I love people in clown suits. Hard to take them seriously.” 😮 😀

are you saying you can’t look at these people straight in the eyes?

You don’t know that.

The only thing we say behind your back is: “I hate people in clown suits. Hard to take them seriously.” 😮 😀

i’m quite sick of all this bashing in general, particularly on US, China, India and Pakistan. It’s amazing how much people here rely on ethnicity and nationality in order to judge some one.. people have repeatedly demanded for my ethnicity when they could never figure it out, then there are those who immediately attack me and call me Greek, or Bulgarian, etc when I am neither.. goes to show how educated people here are.

RE: Somebody’s getting a little testy….

You might want to get yours straight as well. A minor point is my age. I will be 19 soon, so you are a few years off there.

As far as your nationality is concerned, I apolgize about that I was thinking of another person named Sam I’ve encountered that is Egyptian. But, nonetheless, your words seem to convey that you support him. And quit bringing up what happened in the early 80’s. That is the past and this is the present. And no where have I seen any evidence that the United States channelled arms to Iraq after the Gulf War. As far as supporting Iraq goes, I’d say the United States did a lot less of that than other countries but I keep forgetting, what we do is always worse than everyone else.

And don’t refer to me as a redneck, as I’ve grown in in a well brought up family. Calling someone names is as childish as it is pointless. That will gain you nothing in these kinds of debates. I’ve learned that, so why can’t you?

As far as the Iraqis are concerned, I know you don’t actually think most of them like Saddam. He is so ruthless that even the mention of getting him out of power will have you shot. They are all too afraid to do anything about him. I simply cannot believe that people here don’t seem to understand how ruthless this man is. Some of you claim you do, yet you feel he should still be in power. Saddam is much more ruthless than some of the world’s other dictators. The main reason to get him out of power is because of the threat he poses to a large portion of the world’s oil supplies though.

My fault for arguing with a 17 year old ignoramus

>Serendib, what’s your problem pal? Again, I’ll maintain I
>haven’t said America was a totally innocent country, I
>simply believe we receive more criticism than is necessary
>from this particular board.

My problem? Sorry, but you are barking up the wrong tree you ignorant red neck. America is policing in the world and since it is the self proclaimed leader in the world, and has a hand in everything; invariably, America will attract criticism. Some constructive, some not. Get used to it.

>Every other week there is a new
>topic about how America has done this or we have one that.
>Well how about putting up topics about other countries that
>do things wrong? Nobody is perfect.

If America is making policy that affects other nations every other week, countries/and individuals are bound to be critical of certain actions that effect them. If there are other nations that make policy then they too will be criticised. Believe it or not, America is always at the forefront of policymaking in this world.

>Regarding Iraq, I want
>an honest answer from you. Do you support this man? You are
>Egyptian correct? I can imagine you’d like to see Israel
>destroyed, or am I wrong? Because if Saddam remains in power
>Israel is one of the targets he will hit. I don’t suppose as
>an Egyptian you are two fond of the Israelis seeing as 1967
>& 1973 resulted in embarrassing losses for Egypt. As far as
>that book is concerned if I have time I might pick it up, if
>I have time. I’ll look into it though.

Sorry, you are mistaken on several counts. Firstly, I am not Egyptian; I am Asian (Sri Lanka). Secondly, I don’t support Saddam never have and never will. You must be referring to your own nation, which supported Saddam, allowed him to build his nuclear reactor, allowed him access to sensitive US materials, helped his biological weapons programme and stood and clapped when he went to war with Iran. Then you people decided to start the gulf war all the while chanelling arms to him that continued well after the war. Then you labelled him a dictator and a threat to world peace when in actual fact he was a ‘bum chum’ of the US in the Reagan and Bush administrations.

The least you can do is have your facts straight when debating.

Sam.

slightly side tracked..

“actually for the nuclear bomb blasts, i remember when i was a child i thought how stupid that was, hiding below a table in school in the eve… …ll blow the other way in a nuke attack.”

Actually if this was in the 80s Vort you probably wouldn’t want to survive.
A large number if warheads targetted at the US were Bio armed.
Most of the missiles aimed at population centres were designed to be rather dirty nukes.
The survivors could look forward to TB, Ebola, and a nice reworking of the flu that made you weak enough for small radiation doses to kill you.

RE: slightly side tracked…kev

Vort
“There are many in the world grateful for the US. There are also many in the world who hates the US for what ever reasons true or not. They may represent from the same countries. And then there are those in the middle of those two extremes. That we must realize. “

Very true.
The mistake that is being made here is that anyone who makes any negative criticism of US policy or military action does not instantly belong to the “We hate the US” club.

Are all of your personal friends perfect?
If your mate had a large blob of snot on his top lip would you tell him he looks silly of ignore it and let him embarrass himelf?

The US is always telling us it is the greatest.
We are just mentioning the snot.

“You bring up 50 year old history and say that it is relavent today. “

The WWII history was brought up by Scooter in the first post of this thread… we the world are supposed to kiss your asses because of something your parents and grandparents did… which was much the same as what our parents and grandparents did but that doesn’t seem to matter.

“No. That crap you spewed out about plutonium testing or whatever has really no bearing on this discussion. And besides that I have no idea what you are even talking about. Sounds like it it really happened it would be a little more well-known. “

Perhaps you should read more widely. During the late 90’s when Bill was appologising for everything you department of nuclear energy or whatever made the statements that these tests were done in the 50s and 60s. The Department of defence jumped on the bandwagon and told about the bio weapons tests.

“How many Kurds or Iraqi citizens in general does he have to kill to prove to you that something needs to be down about him. “

As many as the Iraqis can stand. As far as I can see if they don’t want a new leader why should any other country impose one on them?
Is that really the Democratic ideal that the US holds so dear?
If that is the case then why not kill the leader of China. There have been lots of reports about unjustified executions and their treatment of tibet leaves a lot to be desired?
There is also the business of selling body parts from those executed… leading to some being executed for body parts alone and no other reason.

But no SH is the only evil dictator left… kill him and the world will be a better place. I’m sure the Iraqi generals that will take his place will be nice… to the outside world of course. Behind the scenes they will be as ruthless to the Kurds as SH has ever been because the Kurds will always want their own homeland and the Iraqis will never want to give up the land they want. Just like Iran and Turkey will not give up land to the Kurds either.

“I’m sorry you support this man and his regime. “

I don’t support this man or his regime. What I am opposed to is the US from half a world away deciding what is best for the people of Iraq and then mounting a campaign that will kill quite a few Iraqis and very few US personel to make that change.
As I said before the British used to do that and they were hated for it. Now that they have stopped being a colonial power some of the ex empire countries can appreciate some of the things Britain did for them but they don’t miss being told what to do like a parent telling a small child.

“As far as Garry is concerned, you haven’t had a problem with him because you two agree on most issues. I have because he and I agree on almost nothing. It’s simply s difference of opinion. I just don’t like the way he goes about to prove his points. Of course I’m the first to admit I’m guilty of the same faults by a large degrees. Perhaps I haven’t lost my respect for him, but the way he presents his arguments and the examples he uses sometimes is just ridiculous.”

So let me get this straight.
Because Geforce and I agree on a few things it is OK for him to respect me.
Because you and I agree on very few points and don’t like the fact that I often dredge up things the US would rather forget or rather the world didn’t notice then you have trouble respecting me.

You have said that often I twist your words.
If you look at my ratings you will see I am often called on my habit of playing devils advocate.
Do you know what that means?
Some might think I’m just being a Pr!ck… and sometimes I am.
Often though it is because those being attacked never have the chance to justify their actions. Have you ever sat down with SH and chatted with him about about why he does what he does?
I haven’t either but the fact that he made it to the top of the food chain means he is not completely stupid. (I don’t think Bush is stupid either… I just don’t agree with him on many things… this doesn’t mean we couldn’t be friends though if he read what I write here I doubt if he’d like to have my friendship… I guess all we could do would be go shooting and talk about the death penalty.. }> )

I asked you to stay when you were considering leaving this board and I still stand by what I said then. Sure we disagree on issues but does that mean we still can’t talk.
I’m not saying I will change to be more like you and I don’t expect you to make any changes in my direction… but we can still talk about planes.

“Personally, Arthur, nuclear weapons aren’t all that important to me. I feel we should maintain at least a small number of them though. They are horrible though and hopefully will never be used. The thing is though, you seem to put the U.S. and Iraq in the same boat when it comes to intent to use these weapons. Iraq is about 100 times more likely to use them than the United States.”

We keep getting told this. What makes you think that?
Besides 100 times zero equals zero doesn’t it?
New plans afoot in the US military to explore mini nukes for attacking bunkers means there are likely to be more nukes than less and these new nukes will be much more dangerous in the sense that they are more likely to be used than the warhead in an ICBM.

“Why is it that when I misinterpret something it is almost like a sin, but when you guys do it doesn’t seem to matter? “

Vort, when you misinterpret what I am saying I try to explain it again in a different way… and when you misinterpret that I explain it again… perhaps why our conversations are so long… }>

DJ
“YOU WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO POST about “imperfections” in US policy unless they were publicized in the US press first. “

Yes… cause only US based investigative reports have the keen nose to dig out a story… you dumb foreign hucks would be lost without an American to lead the way….

“. All the faults you bring forth about the “nasty, evil US” is because the citizens (and therefore the politicians) of the US are concerned about improving US policy. You may not like the US policy decision due to your own bias or nationalistic pride, but there are reasons for the decisions that are made.”

Any efforts to improve US foreign policy will be directed at finding ways of getting your way easier and quicker.
The real reason most of the rest of the world don’t like US foreign policy is because it is built around US interest only.
I believe our last US ambassador to NZ got the post because of how much she contributed to the party fund for the last election. She was offered a small country in South Africa or somewhere but refused it stating the amount she gave to the party fund should at least get her an English speaking western country.

“All countries have “issues” in their past that would be handled differently through today’s 20/20 hindsight. Don’t be too quick to throw stones when you too live in a glass house.”

I believe there are many criticism here on this board that were posted in real time as the event happened… esp. in Kosovo.

“How well did New Zealanders treat the Maori? How many were killed by colonists? How many were driven from their land? You won’t hear this openly discussed except by the few remaining Maori.”

I am quite happy to discuss this and have discussed this in the past here on this board.
It was actually an opportunity the British in their arrogance missed. The Maori were actually experts in what amounted to trench warfare and were not defeated by the British on the battlefield. The British had to rely on laws and political deception to steal their land.

Why is there no mention in Issue 1 about US treatment of Blacks and WWII treatment of Japanese. Neither of these subjects has been addressed in this forum either why do you choose to omit them now?

“Just wait until the terror attacks hit Paris, London, Brussels, Rome, and Berlin. “

Yes… very good point… they don’t even know what terrorism is… boy if any real terrorists blow something up in any of those places those Europeans won’t know what to do… what do they know about terrorism, can you tell I’m being sarcastic yet, or do I have to keep going?

“Paris, London, Brussels, Rome, and Berlin.”

Any of these cities not had a terrorist attack?

“What happens to Eurpoean and far east energy prices and industries that depend on oil if Iran or Iraq takes over the oil fields and jack up prices? “

At a guess I’d say Russia’s economy will pick up faster than you think… that is what will happen.
Of course the Germans could go back to making synthetic oil like they did during WWII… that is if they have stopped.

“Indeed, this is true. However, do not interpreted this as some kind of black choppers circli principal reason for making it illegal. “

I am sure those extreme right wing parties make a lot of mileage by suggesting it is a Zionist plot… }>

“Are there some stupid US policies?”

Why such a short list?
Are you shy?

RE: slightly side tracked…kev

“I was shocked to learn on this forum that it’s true that in most European countries, you can’t talk about anything against the holocaust.”

Indeed, this is true. However, do not interpreted this as some kind of black choppers circling around your house in wisper mode listening if you’re not telling something against the holocaust. Most European countries have extreme right parties, which will try to attract people by spreading pamflets around. These parties know how to deal with these (mostly frustrated) people, so they just tell them what they want to hear. This has nothing to do with holocaust anymore, but with politics. I don’t think the holocaust (wheter you believe it or not) maye be used in any political discussion, especially not by some extreme right neo-nazist parties like FN/Le Pen, Haider, Danish People’s Party, Vlaams Blok etc …). This is the principal reason for making it illegal.

slightly side tracked…kev

actually for the nuclear bomb blasts, i remember when i was a child i thought how stupid that was, hiding below a table in school in the event of a bomb attack (most likely nuclear as you directly suggests). One day while in grade school, i got bored of the teacher and actually read the emergency procedures posted next to the door in every class room in the US (by law they’re there) and realize that in the event of a nuke, hinding below the table and covering your eyes can really save your ass (ok, other body parts most likely). If you’re really close to the blast, yeah pretty much you’re BBQ. But, if you are miles away, the flash can still blind you and the pressure waves can still shatter glass or cause objects in the room to hit you. In fact, these are ranges far beyond the radiation fallout zones, and not only that you have at least a 50/50 chance that the fallout will blow the other way in a nuke attack.

Back to this interesting thread. Yes, haven’t you heard that both the US and the Russians are decreasing their stockpiles. It might be too slow to your liking, but put in the context that most other nuke powers on this planet is increasing their stockpile. DJ made a very intersting point. Mind you that it wasn’t until the late 70s, especially the 80s that major text books for grad school children went toward the direction of a apologetic tone in all the wrongs in the US history, such as seriously talk openly about slavery, Indians, Mexican-American Wars, etc. That’s why i say i truly believe that there’s a revolution of change in Americans and that by the time people of this generation becomes political leaders (in their 40-50s) the world will see a very different American world politics. But is others ready for the sincerety? I was shocked to learn on this forum that it’s true that in most European countries, you can’t talk about anything against the holocaust. In fact in many places it’s illegal to do so. I have no reservations on the holocaust, but if anybody speaks out in disbelieve of it, that’s ok. That’s because of our sacred 1st admendment, and the most important of the bill of rights. You can say it, but people will just ignore you or worse think you are a total idiot. But, you can say it. Isn’t that the point?

RE: You guys are comical…

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 18-07-02 AT 02:08 AM (GMT)]It’s obvious that many of you really DO NOT understand Americans (and some don’t make the attempt to).

There are very few countries that are as open about it’s own faults as the US. It is part of American culture to be self-critical. YOU WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO POST about “imperfections” in US policy unless they were publicized in the US press first. All the faults you bring forth about the “nasty, evil US” is because the citizens (and therefore the politicians) of the US are concerned about improving US policy. You may not like the US policy decision due to your own bias or nationalistic pride, but there are reasons for the decisions that are made.
————————–
Point 1–

All countries have “issues” in their past that would be handled differently through today’s 20/20 hindsight. Don’t be too quick to throw stones when you too live in a glass house.

How many Belgian Jews were turned in to the Nazis by their fellow Belgians out of prejudice, spite or personal enrichment through confiscation of jewish property? You won’t hear this openly discussed anywhere.

How well did New Zealanders treat the Maori? How many were killed by colonists? How many were driven from their land? You won’t hear this openly discussed except by the few remaining Maori.

How well does the Indian government treat all it’s different ethnic groups? Killed any Sikhs or Moslems today? Persecuted any Jains? You won’t hear this openly discussed anywhere.

For you hard-core socialists, how many “unproductive” workers did Stalin and Mao kill to create the “worker’s paradise? 20 million? 40? 60? We will never find out because the hard-core socialists aren’t talking.

I won’t get into the oppression by standing armies from 1700 to 1948 that sent confiscated treasures and taxes back to their respective capitols (London, Paris, Brussels, Madrid, Lisbon, Rotterdam and Moscow).
——————–
Point 2–

Most of the US policy decisions since WW2 that many of you have “problems” with fit into 2 generalized categories, 1)containment of communism/socailism, and 2)preservation of economic vitality.

Policy decisions for Chile, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Cuba, Honduras, Grenada, Panama, South Africa, Rhodesia, Viet Nam/Laos/Cambodia, Phillipines, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, China, NATO, Soviet Union/Warsaw Pact, Iran, Pakistan, Yemen were all for containment of communism/socialism. Yes the path was pretty bumpy, but the events of 1989/90 took that threat off the front burner.

Other policy decisions for Kuwait/Iraq/Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon/Syria, Libya, Russia and former Soviet/Warsaw Pact countries and China were/are for preservation of economic vitality.

Israel is the bright spot in the middle east with a growing market-based economy and parliamentary form of government (even Israeli Moslems and women are represented). Israel deserves to survive, thrive and become an object lesson on the benefits of personal freedom and representative government for it’s neighbors. (But it’s up to those neighbors to fix their own internal problems first and stop using Israel as a scapegoat).

Russian and mainland Chinese economies are developing and hopefully they will continue to trend away from hard-core socialism. If the Chinese political grip on it’s people and economy loosens enough, there will be a peaceful reunification with Taiwan.

Policy for Iraq, Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are geared towards the terrorism and government policies that stiffle economic development. Want to see the economy go in the toilet quickly? Just wait until the terror attacks hit Paris, London, Brussels, Rome, and Berlin. What happens to Eurpoean and far east energy prices and industries that depend on oil if Iran or Iraq takes over the oil fields and jack up prices?

These policies did not bring the world’s riches to the US. To the contrary, it cost the US many, many $ Billions each year. Even today, the US pays local governments, companies and individuals to provide services for all the unnecessay US military bases world wide. Yes, the US does it as an “gift” to the local economies. Because of the negative cash flow, the US has to be the worst “imperial” power in world history.

Are there some stupid US policies? You bet there are and you will hear about them in the US press! (Not chopping support for the IRA, not stopping the murders in Rwanda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Colombia…there lots of others). Some policy decisions were made to mollify special interest groups (tariffs to support unprofitable, archaic industries).

RE: Good Grief….

Kev, first of all, when I say they aren’t that important, I don’t mean it in the manner you thought I did. I’m simply saying that I don’t think having a huge aresenal like we did in the Cold War is necessary anymore.

As far as Saddam reacting to how many weapons the U.S. I never said he might be a threat to the mainland United States (no country is right now anyway). I’m talking about the fact that he might get bolder in his own region and possibly try something like he did back in 1990. You read me wrong on that one I guess.

As far as censorship is concerned, did I say that I think I should be the judge of what is shown? No, I don’t think I did. I was referring to things like the recent footage of that C-130 crashing while fighting the forest fires. Three men died and I’m sure their families didn’t want to see it broadcast all over the country. Again, you are misinterpreting what I put down.

This applies to some of you I’ve debated with. Why is it that when I misinterpret something it is almost like a sin, but when you guys do it doesn’t seem to matter?

Serendib, what’s your problem pal? Again, I’ll maintain I haven’t said America was a totally innocent country, I simply believe we receive more criticism than is necessary from this particular board. Every other week there is a new topic about how America has done this or we have one that. Well how about putting up topics about other countries that do things wrong? Nobody is perfect. Regarding Iraq, I want an honest answer from you. Do you support this man? You are Egyptian correct? I can imagine you’d like to see Israel destroyed, or am I wrong? Because if Saddam remains in power Israel is one of the targets he will hit. I don’t suppose as an Egyptian you are two fond of the Israelis seeing as 1967 & 1973 resulted in embarrassing losses for Egypt. As far as that book is concerned if I have time I might pick it up, if I have time. I’ll look into it though.

How about reading some books….

P II, how about heading to a library and reading the book Spider’s Web so we can have a constructive debate with HARD FACTS. Or, are you not bothered in knowing hard facts and more interested in bringing out fallacies and inaccurate examples to support your rhetoric that the US is “constantly being singled out for no apparent reason.”

Let me give you the rules of engagement(ROE) to this debate.

– Don’t whine about people being “anti-american”. That is not a constructive reply to this debate. We are not dealing with some religious fundamentalists here, and no one including myself have any hatred for America.

– Talk facts, not fiction. Don’t have a ‘holier than thou’ attitude and put America on a pedestal all the while hollering America can do no wrong and believes in a democratic world. Also, no one here is painting a rosy picture of Europe or the rest of the world, so don’t flatter yourself that we are absolving our nations of any wrong doing.

– Don’t make baseless claims about the rest of the world not being involved in any peace keeping missions and not putting their necks in the line of fire. Lot’s of members have given european examples and I want to add India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Nigeria to name a few who have been involved extensively in peace-keeping operations. Most people don’t know this, because these nations don’t make a huge ruckus about it.

I hope this is clear to you, since I got tired of your constant replies that have no facts but whining how great America is and how lucky you are to be born there. Guess what, all of us are happy to be born in our respective countries and we wouldn’t trade that for anything in this world.

P II, the problem most people on this board have with America is that America’s foreign policy is based on contradiction of everything what it stands for. America has/will support dictators (e.g.- Iran during Shah’s regime, Pakistan, Indonesia, Iraq, Panama, San Salvador, Chile, Phillipines, Zaire, e.t.c.)

Does America unilaterally support nations fighting terrorism? Absolutely not. (e.g.- India, Sri Lanka, England (IRA issue), Indonesia, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, e.t.c)

The problem with Iraq is that Saddam Hussein was the “good guy” at one time and was America’s greatest friend. Was he supressing his people then? Absolutely. Was he stockpiling chemical/bilogical weapons? Absolutely. Was he a dictator? Absolutely? Was he beneficial to America during the Iran turmoil? Absolutely.

Now, he is classified as the “bad guy.” Reasons? Failure to tow the US line at all times, and not allowing the US to dictate foreign policy to Iraq. Hard to believe? Probably. Fact? Yes. Did you
know that during the Reagan administration VP George Bush was very vocal in supporting Iraq? Did you know that nothing had changed as far as Saddam Hussein was concerned with matters related to building WMD, suppressing his people, e.t.c. upto the Gulf War? Did you know that in the Reagan Admin. only the secretary of state was against supporting Iraq and he was forced to tow the line and support Iraq with the other members of the cabinet?

I will not tolerate any arguments from you UNLESS YOU READ THE BOOK and will know all the facts regarding Saddam Hussein and the deplorable double standards of the US.

How about the American overthowing the DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED Prime Minister of Iran and propping the shah? Is this constant with what America stands for?

What about America supporting the tyrannical regime of Ferdinand Marcos of The Phillipines who was a dictator in every sense?

What about America having an about-turn of policy viz-a-viz democracy in Pakistan and throwing their weight behind a dictator who siezed power in a coup, disposing a DEMOCRATICALLY elected Prime Minister in the process?

I want answers with hard facts consistent with history and not some false interpretations of how America had no hand in supporting terrorism and allowing terrorist fund rasing activities to go on under their “watchful” eye.

Sam.

RE: Good Grief….

“Personally, Arthur, nuclear weapons aren’t all that important to me. I feel we should maintain at least a small number of them though. They are horrible though and hopefully will never be used. The thing is though, you seem to put the U.S. and Iraq in the same boat when it comes to intent to use these weapons. Iraq is about 100 times more
likely to use them than the United States.”

Nuclear weapons aren’t that important? Aren’t they the modern day equivalent of the Sword of Damocles? You are forgetting that America has used these weapons. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad they were used as I doubt that a number of my family would be here if they hadn’t. However, their invention and use have sent the world down a very unsafe road into the future. American kids having to practice hiding under their desks in case of nuclear attack, it would be just as much use sticking your fingers in your ears.

“Also I fear that if we did give up these weapons, people like Saddam would get even bolder than he is now. Who knows though.

I think that’s debateable. He doesn’t have the strategic ability to strike directly at the United States. There is enough nuclear material unaccounted for on this planet already. Accounting for it all would be a good way of finding out just who is capable of doing to whom.

“They show things on television sometimes that probably shouldn’t be shown.”

One word – censorship. And who would decide what should be shown anyway? Are you the land of the free? Or the land of the free unless a subject might show the Government in a detrimental light?

Regards,

kev35